Dear Friends,

I am very aware that what has been at the forefront of our minds in terms of recent news is the appalling devastation to life and the heartache and loss of relatives and friends of those caught up in the disasters of September 11. This was an inhuman act of violence on innocents.

We have been swamped with images and words and now the speculation of what the USA might do holds the fascination of the world's media.

So many questions must arise in the thinking person about what should be done next. Will there be an international coalition against terrorism? Will there be a war and of what kind? How many more lives will be lost? Is it going to be a just war?

Someone wrote recently, "the cause must be just, the end result has to be so much better than the result of not entering into the conflict that it justifies the "collateral damage", there must be absolutely no other recourse, and so on. It seems to me that no war or conflict can be just if it is simply engaged in for the cause of vengeance." Is that what we think and believe?

Should the answer to America's woes be to focus on the monsters rather than on what creates the monsters? Should justice mean reformation and not revenge?

So many questions. Without doubt we and others rightly ask, where is God in all this? Where was God on September 11? The truth may be that God was in the acts of the Fire Department , the ambulance service and hospital staff, the ministers and priests who found themselves searching and ministering amongst the rubble and with the relatives of those missing, the many who turned up to help with the rescue operation and without question with the suffering and the dying.

As a church we hope and pray that the outcome of all this will be positive for the world. We will remember the leaders of the nations and all those in authority in our intercessions. We pray for justice in the world and for the peace of the world, for an end to all acts of terror and violence against people.

Pray for the people who methodically premeditated the murder of thousands in full view of all the world and who watched in helpless agony. Pray for these individuals that some sort of love may enter their consciousness and defuse the pain that tells them that these actions are permissible under their interpretation of God. Pray for those who fear war and oppression. Lastly let us pray for ourselves that we too may become better people.

Our hymnbook is full of prayers and poetry. So as a final thought in this epistle let me refer you to hymn number 294 in the new hymnal. Do take some time to read these well known phrases and make them your own prayer while doing so.

Yours in Christ,
Stephen Fielding

Bowling Club
The Bowling Club re-opened on Friday 7th September, at 7.30pm until 10.30pm. The Monday practice night also began starting at 8.00pm and closing at 9.30pm.

We have started the new season with one new member. New comers would be most welcome to come along and enjoy the fun and fellowship.

During the closed season 31 members and friends travelled by coach to Dunluce Outdoor Bowling Club stopping on the way at the holiday home of Amy and Reggie Montgomery for afternoon refreshments. Our sincere thanks to both of them for a lovely start to our outing. After bowling for three hours we had our evening meal in the Causeway Hotel before returning home by coach.

We are now looking forward to our annual break later this month to Westport, Co.Mayo.

Isobel McCollam (Hon. Sec.)

St. John's Restoration News

With the evenings drawing in we can look back on a very successful and enjoyable July evening at Coleman's Nursery, and our annual Treasure Hunt in August.

Thank you to all those who contributed to the running of these events and to those who so generously supported them.

The end of our fund raising is now almost in sight. The final bill has now been paid to the contractor and the Restoration Committee is working with the Select vestry to draw up plans to clear the outstanding debt, as quickly as possible.

The effort made by everyone in the Parish to restore St John's is very much appreciated. The Church is once again a place of peace and beauty. Please join us if you can for worship on the second and fourth Sunday of each month.

Christopher Lundy (Chairperson)

Parishioners on the move..

Jean and Harold Dawkins long standing members of St John's have moved house to England. We wish them all the best of health and happiness in their new home. We record our sincere thanks to them for the efforts, good works and commitment to the Church over many years. Jean and Harold wish to convey to the Parishioners of St John's, Donegore their heartfelt thanks for the gifts and sentiments expressed to them on their departure.

If after Church you wait a while.
Someone may greet you with a smile.
But, if you quickly rise and flee.
We'll all seem cold and stiff, maybe
The one beside you in the pew
Is, perhaps a stranger too.
All here, like you, have fears and cares,
All of us need each other's prayers.
In the fellowship we bid you meet,
With us around God's Mercy Seat.
(Anon.)

.Gail & Emma

Ladies Fellowship

The Ladies Fellowship commenced their new session with our opening service and supper afterwards on Tuesday 18th September.

The Committee hope that everyone will enjoy the varied programme for 2001-2002. Ladies of the Parish are very welcome to attend any of our meetings at 8.00pm on the third Tuesday of each month in the Minor Hall.

Dates for your diary:-
9 Oct: Concert by William Loughlin in the Parish Hall at 8pm Tickets available from members.
20 Nov: Marretta Coleman - Christmas Decoration and Displays
18 Dec: Christmas Festivities

Leah Lynas (Hon.Sec.)

Have you read these books..?

• 'A History of God' by Karen Armstrong. 1999 Vintage
• 'Awareness' by Anthony de Mello. 1997 Fount.

Many people often look for something new to reawaken or enliven their interest in religion. Reading is one way that we can enjoy others' sense of enthusiasm for what they value. Consider the books mentioned here in this space over the next few months as possible ways of kindling or perhaps renewing an interest in reading on the subject of God, religion or the church.

If you have read something connected with Christianity, the church, religion recently that you'd like to recommend to others then you could advertise that book in this space here, reserved that purpose. (Books excepted:The Bible!!)

Creche ..has now restarted!

• All babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers welcome!
• Runs during morning service in the Church Rooms
• Gifts of any unused toys/books would be appreciated.

Choir

Any enquiries about membership would be most welcome. Practices on Thursdays at 8.00pm.
Contact Mrs Mildred Irvine

Intercessor Rota for Parish Eucharist

Matins - Harvest Festival

RCL
Full texts
available

Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

All Age Worship

Evensong - St. John's
Harvest Festival

Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

Parish Eucharist

RCL
Full texts
available

First Reading
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

RCL
Full texts
available

First Reading
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

All Age Worship

RCL
Full texts
available

First Reading
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

RCL
Full texts
available

First Reading
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

RCL
Full texts
available

First Reading
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

RCL
Full texts
available

First Reading
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

Matins

RCL
Full texts
available

First Reading
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

RCL
Full texts
available

Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

Isaiah 11: 1-10
72 : 1-7
Romans 15 : 4-13
Matthew 3 : 1-12

Parish Eucharist

RCL
Full texts
available

Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

RCL
Full texts
available

Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

RCL
Full texts
available

Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

RCL
Full texts
available

Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

RCL
Full texts
available

Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

RCL
Full texts
available

Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel

Isaiah 63:7-9
148:7-14
Hebrews 2:10-18
Matthew 2:13-23

Communion Rota

Flower Rota

Cubs, Beavers and Squirrels have already commenced after the summer break and it would appear that our numbers will be higher than ever.

Our success in the group could also be our downfall if we cannot attract sufficient leaders to cope with the numbers of boys.

At present Cubs have Peter Lawther in charge, ably assisted by Kim, Esther and Alan. Beavers have again been taken over by myself and I welcome Emma Foster as a new leader. Amanda Tinsley has offered to help until we find new leaders. We will have a full membership of 24 boys and a waiting list. Squirrels will continue under my leadership and it is hoped that parents will come forward to help - we need at least 3 helpers per week.

Scouts are having a leadership crisis but hopefully with everyone's help they should be starting again soon. The past year has been very successful both n terms of numbers and enjoyment for the boys. The Scout programme and hard work of the leaders has been excellent and the number of outings for activities increases every year.

Cubs had a very enjoyable weekend camp in Crawfordsburn in may and our thanks to Peter, Kim, Esther, Alan and David for their hard work.

Beavers enjoyed Rally Day also in May and there are outings planned for this coming year. We are sorry to lose Amanda Tinsley and thank her for her loyalty and hard work with Beavers and we send her our best wishes for the future.

If anyone can spare a little time even once a month to help we would be grateful. If you have a hobby or talent which you think might interest the boys we would also like to hear form you.

Catherine Michael (Group Scout Leader)

The Internet - Parish Web Pages
www.templepatrick.connor.anglican.org

Let me be one of the first to wish you Happy Christmas!

By the time the next Parish Magazine is published it will all be behind us for another year, so now is the time to find some help on the internet to make it a little different and perhaps even better this year.

The traditional Christmas fare could perhaps use some inspiration. There are many recipe sites on the web. As a starter you could try the Christmas recipes at www.christmasrecipe.com/default.asp

With our Parish links to Vastervik in Sweden why not be more adventurous? The Olde Cookery Page - Swedish Christmas Cooking to be found at www.bahnhof.se/~chimbis/tocb/features/months/swed/xmas.htm could be interesting, especially if you like pickled herrings.

But decorations are another feature of Christmas. They do not have to be bought; there is much more fun to be had in making them. A site with lots of ideas, full instructions and patterns with photographs of the finished projects is www.mychristmasprojects.com/

Now is the time to be planning a gathering the materials together. If you want to make the decorations from existing 'rubbish' that we all seem to gather throughout the year then your inspiration could come from
www.frugal-moms.com/decorating/throwoutdecorations.shtml

Some sites act as an initial springboard for following a common theme. One dedicated to Christmas Cooking & Crafts is at users.erols.com/l674/christmas.htm

So how else can your computer help you prepare for Christmas?

Whilst I would not dare to suggest sending Christmas cards over the internet, yes it is possible, it could be a great help to have it print out address labels for all those hand written cards. Why not incorporate a picture on the label, perhaps one that children could colour in?

I hope that the above will start you thinking and looking. If you find anything of special interest let me know and I will create a Christmas page on the Parish website with all the links that you find with a brief description of what is there.

Alan Walbridge
alan@walbridge.co.uk

In accordance with the recommendations in 'Safeguarding Trust - The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice for Ministry with Children', a Parish Panel has been appointed (operating since June 1998) to implement some of the responsibilities identified in the Code.

The Panels responsibilities include:

• interviewing persons willing to serve as workers in the parish
• advising workers on their responsibilities in respect of the Code
• advising the Select Vestry in respect of its responsibilities
• being an immediate contact point for workers when a suspicion, complaint or allegation of child abuse is made about a worker or on parish premises in accord with the procedures set out in these guidelines.

The Parish Panel Members are:-

The Rev. S A Fielding, Templepatrick
Mrs M Bell, Glengormley
Mr S Clendinning, Templepatrick
Mr M Cooke, Dunadry

An annual seminar about Safeguarding Trust will take place on 18 October 2001 from 8.00 pm until 9.00 pm in the Minor Hall.. Details will follow to leaders.

Bible Wordsearch

Fit the workds in the list into the diagram below reading forward, backward, up, down or diagonally; but always in a straight line.

MORE PUZZLES AT:
http://members.truepath.com/biblegames